Australian officials say wildfires are burning out of control in southern states, forcing thousands of people to evacuate their homes.

Fire officials say the areas worst affected are South Australia and Victoria states, with dozens of homes destroyed or damaged.

Dry conditions, high winds and temperatures in the upper 30s (Celsius) are creating extremely adverse conditions for fires to rage out of control in all directions.

Destructive wildfires are common across much of Australia during the summer months. In February, 2009, the devastating "Black Saturday" bush fires in Victoria state left 173 people dead and more than 2,000 homes destroyed.